The emerald ash borer was first identified in North America from southeastern Michigan in 2002. Larvae of the beetle feed in the phloem and outer sapwood of ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) causing the girdling and death of branches and entire trees. Adults of the species are active from mid-May until early August. Since its discovery in Michigan, the beetle has been detected in Ohio, Maryland, Virginia, and neighboring areas in Canada.

The adult of the emerald ash borer (Figure 1A) is best recognized by its overall metallic green color. It is similar in appearance to two other buprestid beetles already found in Pennsylvania, which are also active from May to August. The first is called the bronze birch borer (Agrilus anxius Gory), which is most often darker in color (Figure 1B) and is most commonly associated with birch trees (Betula spp.). The second buprestid (Figure 1C) is generally smaller, and is completely metallic blue. It is known as Agrilus cyanescens (Ratzeburg), and is generally associated with honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.), but will also attack oak (Quercus spp.), birch, beech (Fagus spp.), and ash. It is important to note that the size of all three buprestid beetles can vary greatly.

Another beetle that feeds on the cambium and sapwood of ash trees and might be found in association with the emerald ash borer is called the red-headed ash borer (Cerambycidae: Neoclytus a. acuminatus (Fabricius)). Its overall shape and color are noticeably different from the emerald ash borer (Figure 2.). The red-headed ash borer can be recognized by its long legs, long antennae, and yellow stripes and is active from March until October.

For more information concerning the emerald ash borer, please visit the following web sites:
http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/pest_al/eab/eab.htm
http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/eab/index.html
http://www.msue.msu.edu/reg_se/roberts/ash/index.html